Overview

‍For more than 85 years, REI Co-op has been crusading for life outdoors. Our co-op structure allows us to measure success differently than most companies. We put purpose—and people—before profits, and look beyond traditional business metrics to understand how we’re impacting our employees, our members and society.

This job contributes to REI’s success by supporting holistic integrated communications strategies for the co-op’s core business and brand, including REI’s leadership as an employer, retailer and outdoor gear manufacturer.

Your impeccable persuasive writing skills and ability to unite cross-divisional partners around a common goal will be instrumental as you drive holistic, integrated communications strategies for the co-op’s business and brand priorities. You’ll tap these relationships to drive a steady drumbeat of stories that burnish the co-op’s brand and reputation.

Success in this role requires the ability to write cleanly, quickly and compellingly; an acute eye for a good story; an understanding of the different needs of diverse audiences; a belief in the power of purpose; and the ability to unite cross-divisional partners around a shared aim. And, of course, you love the outdoors.

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Your Planning & Navigating Requirements

• Works closely with internal and external partners to surface and amplify compelling themes that help the co-op tell holistic, integrated stories in support of the overall communications strategy
• Creates media materials and assets (press releases, talking points, templates, etc.)
• Develops and implements strategic media plans to leverage traditional and new media in support of internal and external clients.
• Monitors, examines and reports on social and new media issues and opportunities, and adjusts team strategies
• Conducts proactive and reactive media outreach (corporate, stewardship, and outreach-related)
• Manage channel management for the co-op's key PR channels, i.e. LinkedIn account, Newsroom, Muckrack and more, including content strategy, planning and execution. Purposefully work with cross-divisional partners to surface and highlight brand-building stories.
• Contributes to communications planning
• Develops and conduct news examination strategies
• Drives operational efficiencies in all areas of responsibility to maximize the team’s contribution to REI’s goals; be an advocate for lean processes and procedures that make it easier to do our best work
• Assists in managing escalated communications received by Co-op Communications for response on a range of company subjects, serves as a liaison to cross-divisional teams, and provides examination on coverage and process improvements
• Serves as a critical resource to cross-divisional partners. Offers counsel on any issues that may require communications support or impact overall co-op brand.
• Addresses escalated customer/member communications pertaining on behalf of internal clients
• Counsels, media trains, and/or prepares company spokespeople through media training and talking points
• Counsels and collaborates on communications strategies with external stakeholders

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Required Qualifications:

• 3-5 years’ experience in the public relations arena, with an emphasis on media relations, brand communications and public relations campaigns.
• Impeccable writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences
• Exceptional project management skills, including development of project plans and timelines.
• Demonstrated understanding of public relations practices and professional ethics in a corporate or agency setting
• Proven success in working on strategic, creative and results-oriented public relations programs
• Proven success in identifying and fostering exceptional relationships with key local and national media outlets
• Exceptional working knowledge of news media operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations/public affairs, communications or journalism or equivalent work experience

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Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

‍Pay Range: $74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year

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‍Closing‍

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.